BWW Reviews: Sierra Rep Creates A Winter Wonderland with the WINTER WONDERETTES Now Through Dec 17

Classic Christmas window displays and lights on either sides of the stage invite audiences to the warm spirit of the season as they walk to their seats at the Fallon House theatre in historic Columbia State Park. It's an old hardware store, and the Marvelous Wonderettes are singing at a Christmas celebration.

The original Roger Bean creation, "Marvelous Wonderettes," which Sierra Repertory Theatre also produced last year, focused on fifties and seventies nostalgia. "Winter Wonderettes" contains all the laughter, fun and audience participation the original combined with the warm holiday cheer of the classic Christmas songs including a "Mister Santa" spin on "Mister Sandman," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree," "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town," "Suzy Snowflake" and "Santa Baby." A live, three-person band provides the music, a nice change from the typical canned music Sierra Rep usually uses.

While none of the four girls in Sierra Rep's production consistently stand out in their singing, they all have pleasant voices, and each girl has one or two songs she particularly excels in. Anne Montavon plays the saucy and flirtatious Cindy Lou, who tends to get into silly arguments over the spotlight and over men with her best friend Betty Jean, played by Brenna Wahl. Betty Jean has the most of spirit of the four characters, but troubles at home have her looking forward to her bonus check as the only good thing that Christmas. But Santa has gone missing, and things aren't going Betty Jean's way. It's up to the girls to create some positive Christmas memories for Betty Jean.

The Wonderettes create marvelous Christmas memories for the audience, too. Suzanne Petrela plays the silly, blonde character of the group, Suzy, and gives viewers plenty to smile at when she heartily comes out dressed in a strange pajama-like outfit and tap dance shoes - her "Suzy Snowflake" costume. The nerd of the group, Missy, played by Rebecca Mason-Wygal, knows how to take charge and play to the audience. Together, the four Wonderettes create a magical hour and a half of laughter and song.

The costumes and sets are equally magical. Each girl has a unique, blue dress, and each dress dazzles along with very realistic wigs. The hardware store set remains the same throughout the musical and is covered with beautiful Christmas lights. There are plenty of little pull-out pieces and small props to add to the holiday experience.

For a lovely time and wonderful winter entertainment, go for a stroll walking in a winter wonderland, walking with the Winter Wonderettes.

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Winter Wonderettes

Sierra Repertory Theatre

Nov 18 - Dec 17

Fallon House Theatre

www.sierrarep.org

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